Once Aerin's team had settled down…
Are you guys okay now?
"Yes," they all replied.
"We just didn't expect that," Mr. Sato added.
It's fine. People tend to fear what they don't understand.
It's human nature to be wary.
I just didn't think y'all would be wary of me, especially not with all the time we've spent together.
Anyways, Mr. Sato, shall we have a talk with Ben?
"Seems so," Mr. Sato replied, as both him and Aerin looked back at Ben.
Later…
"So ya, that's why they were going after me," Ben said as he finished his explanation.
Okay. So you mean to tell me you are a member of the one of The Fifteen Great Clans?
"Yes," Ben replied.
But then Aerin remembered he had heard of the 15 Great Clans before; he just couldn't remember all the details…
"Even so, that doesn't explain why they would go after you," Mr. Sato said, interrupting Aerin's thoughts.
"Right now I'm on my way to deliver a very important item to another," Ben said reluctantly.
Hmm, it would have been nicer for you to be a little more transparent with us, but it's understandable. However, there will be an upcharge for our services, right, Mr. Sato?
"Indeed," Mr. Sato replied.
Anyway, let's get going; we will discuss the upcharge once we are there.
Hours later…
Okay guys, we will be stopping here for the night.
"But it's only 9PM," Lio said.
I know, but all three of y'all are injured. Y'all need to recuperate.
I'll take first watch; you guys just get some rest.
"Okay," Lio said reluctantly, as everyone sat down except for Aerin.
When everyone fell asleep…
Hey Léōn, you there?
"I'm always here," a voice that only Aerin could hear said.
What is this paradise called?
"It's called Heaven," Léōn replied.
Heaven…will I ever make it to Heaven, Léōn?
"Heaven is promised to those who aren't corrupted by evil and endure to the end, as long as you live with that in mind you will make it," Léōn replied.
Thank you for everything, Léōn.
"You are very welcome my child, if you need anything I am always here," Léōn replied.
I hope when I get to Heaven the old man is cooking while a smile is across his face like he always did when I got home.
When dawn arrived…
"Yawn, Hmm? Did nobody switch out with you last night, Aerin?" Mr. Sato asked.
No, but I'm glad y'all got some rest.
"What about you?" Lyra asked, still half asleep.
I'll be fine, it's not the first time I haven't slept.
Let's get going.
And our main character in his team continued on their trip with Ben to The Northern Territories…
To be continued…